Seminar

Have you as a manager been faced with so many improvement opportunities that you don't know where to start? Have you wondered which improvements will offer the greatest result? Or have you finished an improvement project only to find that things haven't really improved? If so, value stream mapping is a tool you need.

Most managers in offices and plants can readily identify operations that need improvement. But it isn't always obvious where to start, and too many of us have experienced the improvement project that is declared a success but in the end the underlying problem persists. These problems are usually caused by solutions that are local optimums but globally sub-optimal.

A key element of the Toyota Production System is a focus on improving the underlying processes: if the process is right, then the outcome can be relied on. Understanding the value stream - the sequence of activities that delivers value to the customer - is central to improving the processes. Value Stream Mapping is one of the key tools for identifying and selecting improvement projects that will make a difference for your customer and your bottom line. The value stream map provides superior insight to the potential impact of improvement alternatives. It is also a key tool in the efforts to introduce lean production methods.

In this seminar, participants will be introduced to the core concepts of value stream mapping, and will leave with some practical experience using the tool.

Using highly participative methods, this workshop will help you answer the following key questions for any workplace:
 1. How do I identify the value streams in my operation?
 2. What are the best metrics for me to use?
 3. What is the most effective way to assess my improvement opportunities?
 4. What project should I do first? and
 5. How can I get my employees to make an effective contribution to the improvement effort?

Who Should Attend

This workshop is intended for anyone who has responsibilities to improve the work processes in their operation (office or plant). Plant and office managers, supervisors, quality personnel, product development staff, accounting, sales and order entry staff all participate in work processes that can be improved using this tool. Having more than one person from a workplace is highly recommended. No prior experience with value stream mapping, the Toyota Production System or lean production is required.

Instructor:

Hugh R. Alley P.Eng. PMP, Operations Manager - Alco Ventures Inc.

Hugh Alley is the Operations Manager for Alco Ventures Inc., a small international manufacturer of aluminum railings and other architectural aluminum products. With over 100 employees, Hugh manages plants in Ontario, Washington, California as well as the company's main operations in Langley, BC. Prior to joining Alco in November 2007, Hugh spent seven years working with Grant Thornton LLP, Canada's fifth largest accounting and consulting firm, where he was a key person in their manufacturing and distribution project. While at Grant Thornton he helped clients achieve significant gains in productivity and output. For one manufacturing client, production increased by 50% without adding staff, and the company went from having the worst lead time in the industry to having the best. Hugh assisted organizations in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, logistics, government, regulatory agencies, services and education. Prior to working with Grant Thornton, Hugh spent five years with WorkSafe BC and ran his own consulting industrial engineering business for five years before that. He has used value stream mapping extensively in his work.

Hugh has a B.A.Sc. in Systems Design Engineering from University of Waterloo, an M.Sc. in Resource Economics from Cornell and an M.Div from Vancouver School of Theology. He obtained his P.Eng. designation as an Industrial Engineer in1990.

Hugh is on the Board of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters. He has taught courses and been a guest lecturer at Simon Fraser University and University of British Columbia. He is Vice-Commodore for the Burnaby Canoe and Kayak Club.

APEGBC is an AIBC/CES registered provider offering an AIBC-Accredited activity for 3.75 Core Learning Units.

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